Fundamentals of Vehicle Dynamics (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Content scheduling

CONTENTS:

File 1
0. Basics of drive dynamics modelling
1. Driving resistance components and tractive force/speed diagram
2. Axle loads in different driving situations
3. Accelerations
4. Brakings

File 2
5. Stability in cornering: sliding and overturning

File 3
6. Cornering at low speeds: the steering angle needed
7. Cornering at high speeds: the steering angle needed

TIMING:
September - November 2025

Objective

After completing the module, the student is able to:
- determine the road resistance as well as the traction force and power needed, of a vehicle at different driving speeds
- determine the limitations of vehicle performance (acceleration, top speed, braking, cornering)
- understand and interpret the cornering properties of a vehicle (understeer, oversteer, neutral steer)
- explain how the steering angles influence the vehicle behavior

Content

- the drags and forces affecting a vehicle
- axle loads in different driving situations
- acceleration limited by engine power or wheel traction
- braking, the effect of initial speed to braking distance
- stability in cornering, sliding and tipping of a vehicle
- Ackermann steering geometry, cornering properties of a vehicle
- wheel angles

Materials

PowerPoint material prepared by the teacher

Teaching methods

Taking actively part in discussive lecturing and calculation excercise sessions, familiarizing oneself with the course material, completing the Excel excercise (traction force/speed diagram)

Exam schedules

Final exam in the beginning of December 2025
Retakes will be arranged according to the need, one in December and one in January

Pedagogic approaches and sustainable development

Utilizing the constructive learning theory.
Sustainable development as a look-through principle

Completion alternatives

None

Student workload

As a learning exercise, the students compile in pairs a traction force/speed diagram of a car

44 h of contact teaching, including theory and calculation exercises
31 h of compiling the traction force/speed diagram with a fellow-student
60 h of self-study

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

Grading scale 0 - 5, out of which 1 - 5 are passing grades

Evaluation methods and criteria

The Excel exercise (traction force/speed diagram), completed in groups of two students is assessed on a pass/fail basis.
The final exam will be assessed as described below.

Failed (0)

Fail 0: Exam result below 44 % of maximum points

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

Fair 1: Exam result at least 44 % but below 55 % of maximum points
Fair 2: Exam result at least 55 % but below 66 % of maximum points

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

Good 3: Exam result at least 66 % but below 77 % of maximum points
Good 4: Exam result at least 77 % but below 88 % of maximum points

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent: Exam result at least 88 % of maximum points

Further information

e-mail